Top Fantasy Football Players 2012: Predicting Stats for Elite QBs

Since the NFL has taken away almost any advantage that defenses can get on an offense with various rule changes, quarterbacks have become even more valuable in fantasy football. 

Not only do they not have to worry about getting hit, but because their receivers can't get touched, they are basically free to sit in the pocket and wait for someone to get open before throwing the ball. That is why you saw three quarterbacks throw for more than 5,000 yards last season. 

With so much emphasis on passing in today's game, there are more high-end fantasy quarterbacks than ever before. But who are the best of the best? Which quarterbacks are going to shine above all the others?

Here are our stat predictions for the top fantasy quarterbacks in preparation for the first full week of games. 

No. 1 Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

2011 Stats: 5,476 yards, 46 TD, 14 INT, 468-for-657 (71.2% Completion)

2012 Prediction: 4,930 yards, 41 TD, 18 INT

Brees played at a ridiculous level last year, with 13 games of at least 300 yards passing. While there is no reason to expect a significant drop in production, the idea of a player throwing for 5,000 yards three times in a career is outrageous. 

Of course, no team likes to throw the ball as much as the Saints, and no one can match the pinpoint accuracy which Brees delivers. I do worry that he can try to force too much sometimes, which is why you see a high interception total. 

Regardless, if you are getting nearly 5,000 yards and over 40 touchdown passes, is there really that much to complain about?

No. 2 Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

2011 Stats: 4,643 yards, 45 TD, 6 INT, 343-for-502 (68.3% Completion)

2012 Prediction: 4,422 yards, 40 TD, 10 INT

Rodgers might be a safer bet than Brees, simply because the Packers quarterback is not likely to make as many mistakes with his throws. His accuracy is incredible, he threw for 300 yards eight times last year and had at least three touchdown passes 10 times. 

Another factor you have to consider when debating Rodgers or Brees is mobility. Brees has the ability to move around in the pocket to keep plays alive, but he is not going to run by anyone.

Rodgers, on the other hand, is so athletic and has enough speed to make plays with his feet. He can be an asset as a runner, though no one is going to confuse him for Cam Newton. 

No. 3 Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

2011 Stats: 4,051 yards, 35 Total TD, 17 INT, 310-for-517 (60% Completion)

2012 Prediction: 3,982 yards, 39 Total TD, 14 INT

I imagine this will cause some controversy in New England and Detroit, but I am buying into the Cam Newton hype after one of the most dominant rookie seasons in NFL history. 

We all knew Newton was an incredible athlete, though no one could have predicted this kind of instant success. He is part Michael Vick, part Matthew Stafford, except he is far more durable than either one. 

I fully expect Newton's passing stats to improve this year, even though his yardage will go down slightly. He is going to be more comfortable in the pocket, find receivers over the middle who can make plays and his passing touchdowns will increase from 21 to roughly 30. 

If that isn't enough, we all know what Newton is capable of doing with his legs. He can be the player we always expect Michael Vick to be, but at 6'5", 245 pounds, Newton is more likely to take a hit and pop right back up. 

Next Tier

Tom Brady, New England: 4,632 yards, 39 TD, 12 INT

Matthew Stafford, Detroit: 4,317 yards, 33 TD, 15 INT

Michael Vick, Philadelphia: 3,538 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT

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